Tiranga Yatra in Rajkot | Cong leaders are nakli rashtra bhakts, none paid tribute to Patel at SoU: Nadda

“When we won freedom, this country was divided among 562 princely states. It was not an easy task to integrate them (into the Union of India). But Ironman of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was born on this very land of Gujarat, integrated them within two years of Independence and created this great India,” he said.

“I want to remind my friends in Congress that this country can’t forget the contribution of Sardar Patel in the freedom struggle… But in your dreams. only family appears. You forget the contribution of Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and lakhs of people and leaders who laid their lives to overthrow British rule from this land….” Nadda added.

“The Statue of Unity in Kevadiya (has been built in the memory of) the Iron Man of India who integrated 562 princely states and created this great India. I say with disappointment that not a single Congress leader has gone to Kevadiya (now known as Ekta Nagar) to pay floral tribute to the Statue of Unity,” he said.

Without naming Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Nadda said, “Those with such narrow ideas and small hearts are taking out yatras to unite India. Kindly, first go and bow your head to the one who has united India… and remind yourself how big a role Sardar Patel played in integrating India.”

Describing Congress leaders as “nakli rashtra bhakts”, Nadda alleged, “People of the country and its youth will show truth to these fake patriots who see the country through the lens of politics and divide society for the sake of politics and to fulfil their own interests.”

Reminding the gathering that Gujarat is the land of Mahatma Gandhi, Nadda said, These innumerable Tricolours that I see here remind me of the freedom struggle. When I talk about that period, we should remember that Gujarat has contributed immensely in establishing the image of today’s Independent India. When I say this, our country can never forget this land of bravehearts, saints and freedom fighters and the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi who played a huge role in winning us freedom…”

Praising Modi, Nadda said, “It is our good fortune that India’s illustrious Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has resolved to make India a developed country in this Amrit Kaal is also related to his pious land.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil, Rajkot Mayor Nayna Pedhadiya, local MPs, MLAs and BJP leaders were present at the ceremony to flag off the Tiranga Yatra, as part of which marched from Race Course to Jubilee Garden while waving the National Flag.